Boone NC River Activities

Fun on the New River in Todd NC

Boone NC River Activities

Boone NC river activities around the High Country are almost as endless as our mountain views. For a quick float down the river in tubes, kayaks or canoes, to class five whitewater rapids, we have many options to get down the river. We offer riverfront cabin rentals for those who want to spend each day on the river – or just relaxing to the sound of it as they fall asleep each night in our NC vacation rentals. Enjoy the Watauga River as it winds through Valle Crucis, the New River running through Todd, Price Lake for canoe and kayak rentals, swimming at Wildcat Lake or one of our municipal public swimming pools, or head over to Watauga Lake for jet skis, pontoon boats, paddleboards and water skiing.

Float

The best way to get the entire family out on the river for some Boone NC river activities is floating downstream in a river tube. Tubing is a popular summer activity in the mountains of NC – rent river tubes from a local Boone or Todd outfitter take a guided day trip down the New River, or launch your own river tubes along the banks of the Watauga River in Valle Crucis.

Canoe and kayak rentals are another great option throughout the Boone NC area, and are available for the New River or at Price Lake Boat Rentals on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock. Stand up paddleboards (SUPs) are growing in popularity throughout the High Country on our lakes and rivers.

For more challenging Boone NC river activities, consider whitewater rafting in the rivers around Boone NC. Class III, IV and V rapids are available for those who enjoy white water adventures for their mountain vacation, on the Watauga River or French Broad River.

For those who prefer a motor on their boat, head west of Boone to Watauga Lake. Lakeshore Marina offers ski boat and pontoon rentals by the hour or day; Fish Springs Marina offers Jet Ski Tours along with stand up paddle boarding plus canoe and kayak rentals.

Get Wet

The Boone NC area offers multiple options for swimming throughout the year – but it is hard to beat a summer day spent in our area lakes and rivers. For those who prefer to get their laps in, the High Country also offers several municipal indoor pools and outdoor pools.

Boone NC River & Lake Swimming

Swimming in Banner Elk NC would not be complete without a visit to Wildcat Lake. This 13-acre lake features a beach area, swimming pier and fishing dock, and the adjacent Tufts Memorial Park has a bath house and picnic areas. Summer hours feature a lifeguard on duty and canoe and paddle board rentals.

Hebron Rock Colony is another great Boone NC swimming option outdoors. Natural boulder formations create multiple swimming holes, and the natural setting is hard to beat. You do need to hike in, access is available from the trail in Price Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Elk River Falls is another popular outdoor swimming option in Elk Park, just a few minutes past Banner Elk. There is a large natural swimming area at the base of the falls, and large boulders for catching some sun.

More details on natural swimming spots in the Boone NC area are available by clicking here.

Boone NC Area Swimming Pools

Several municipal swimming pools are found throughout the High Country, including Blowing Rock, Boone and Linville. Both indoor pools and outdoor pools operate throughout the year, and welcome visitors and locals alike.

The Watauga County Swim Complex in Boone NC has three indoor pools, with daily and seasonal passes available. Another great feature of this location is the Tot Lot playground outside, as well as the access to the adjoining Boone Greenway.

For an outdoor pool, swimming is also available in downtown Blowing Rock NC at the Robbin’s Pool at Broyhill Park. There is a larger pool as well as a wading pool, and fun slide for kids of all ages. The pool in Blowing Rock is typically open from late May through Labor Day each year.

Another indoor pool is available at the Williams YMCA in Linville, just past Banner Elk. This indoor swimming pool features a water slide, a Water Zone for the kids, lap swims and open swim time. Membership also includes access to their fitness facilities, weight rooms, basketball courts and group exercise and yoga classes.

Additional details and options for swimming pools in the Boone NC area are available by clicking here.

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All information on this site is deemed reliable and current but is not guaranteed. All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the information on this website is accurate, however, High Country Vacation Homes, LLC. cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. Firm owners/brokers may own or have interest in properties managed by High Country Vacation Homes, LLC.